Environmental security forces apprehend violators of grazing and firewood transport regulations in Riyadh
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the Kingdom’s natural resources, the Special Forces for Environmental Security were able to detect a number of environmental violations in the Riyadh region, including illegal transport of local firewood and grazing in prohibited areas, as part of their intensive field campaigns to track down violators of the environmental system.
Details of seizures and prescribed penalties
The Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a citizen for violating environmental regulations by transporting one cubic meter of locally sourced firewood in the Riyadh region. Legal procedures were immediately implemented against him, and the seized quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities. In this context, the forces reiterated their warning that transporting locally sourced firewood and charcoal is a serious offense, with fines reaching 16,000 riyals per cubic meter, in order to curb the phenomenon of illegal logging, which threatens vegetation cover.
In another incident, authorities apprehended a citizen for grazing eight camels within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, an area where grazing is prohibited to protect its biodiversity. The authorities confirmed that legal procedures were applied to the violator, noting that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel.
The context of environmental protection and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These seizures come within the context of a broad national movement led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with the objectives of Vision 2030, which has given top priority to environmental protection. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established as a security arm aimed at enforcing environmental regulations and protecting natural resources from exploitation. These forces work in conjunction with major national initiatives such as the "Saudi Green Initiative," which aims to plant 10 billion trees and combat desertification.
Illegal logging and unregulated grazing are among the most significant challenges facing the Kingdom's desert environment, leading to the degradation of vegetation cover and soil erosion, which exacerbates dust storms and rising temperatures. Therefore, the application of strict penalties is not solely aimed at revenue collection, but also at deterring violators and allowing nature to recover and regain its ecological balance.
The importance of royal reserves
Regulating grazing in royal reserves, such as the King Abdulaziz Reserve, is crucial because these areas serve as safe havens for wildlife and rare plants. By prohibiting grazing in these regions, the Kingdom aims to reintroduce wildlife and protect wild plants from extinction, thereby promoting ecotourism and preserving natural heritage for future generations.
Call for reporting and community cooperation
In conclusion, the Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized the crucial role of citizens and residents in protecting the environment, urging everyone to report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Forces assured the public that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
